MOScout Daily Update: More on Sparks Challenge - Schmitt Says No to AG - 2026 Watch - Random Chatter and more…
More Sparks Fallout
While I haven’t heard from anyone who thinks that Rep. Justin Sparks’ insurgent challenge to Speaker-designate Jon Patterson has a chance of being successful, it’s clearly tapping into some discontent. Folks are grappling to understand what it will mean for JP’s tenure, and for next session.
· Incoming Lieutenant Governor Dave Wasinger seemed to come down on Team Sparks side with retweeting a story about the challenge with the rallying cry, “Drain the Swamp….”
· And it’s resonating with the MO MAGA crowd. See T.J. Moe’s tweet here, which was retweeted by the Missouri Freedom Caucus.
The initial thinking was that we’d see a “kinder, gentler” Freedom Caucus this session without the elections looming. But perhaps, in the House anyway, they’ve hit on a winning issue – JP’s pledge to respect the A3 vote and not attempt to reverse it.
And
One lobbyist quips, “Sparks looked like he’d been drinking Jason Aldean’s branded whiskey and had just watched Yellowstone and was fired up.”
Schmitt Takes Himself Out of Running
Senator Eric Schmitt withdrew his name for consideration to be Donald Trump’s AG. See his tweet here. “I ran for the U.S. Senate to represent the people of the Show Me State and I’m just getting started… I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and be a champion for President Trump in the Senate.”
· A couple of MOScouters noted the advantage of Schmitt’s decision… “Schmitt is savvy. Have to give him that. Why give up a senate seat to inevitably end up in the Trump scrap heap in a year or two because he doesn't understand or care about the actual law… And have 7 figure legal bills to dig out from under after he demands that you violate the constitution…”
UPDATED Legislators Guides
Thanks to the reader who pointed out I missed one of the incoming freshmen. Find the UPDATED “Quick New House Members Profiles” here.
2026 Watch Update
As I try to track possible candidates in the 2026 Senate races, I expected I’ll be making regular updates to the spreadsheet. Find it here.
· Today I’ve added Rep. Keri Ingle to Senate 8. She (along with JP) represents the Lee’s Summit portion of the district.
· And I’ve removed Shante Duncan from Senate 14 as Rep. Raychel Proudie reports, “I just talked to Shante Duncan… She is not running and will be helping my campaign.”
And
In other 2026 talk, one observer thinks Senate 34 could be in play beyond the primary, noting that “in Platte County, Donald Trump had 50% while Lucas Kunce beat Josh Hawley. Something to think about for the Senate race there, though Rep. Jamie Johnson’s loss won’t encourage potential Dem candidates.”
Random Chatter
· Sen. Lincoln Hough’s ex-wife Sarah Hough is running for school board. See it here.
· Tipster says that “Rep. Mike Haffner’s name is being bandied about to replace Dru Buntin at DNR.” We’ll see….
· In the speculation that a Sam Graves Trump appointment could open a vacancy in that Congressional seat, one reader says, “Brad Lager will loom large in any fight to replace Sam Graves. Do not count out Rusty Black, either.”
· Folks seem to think that Missouri approving sports betting could have a big impact on keeping the Chiefs in Missouri. Without that, they’d have had more incentive to cross the state-line.
eSnark-bag
“Bill Corrigan has been the ‘frontrunner’ for every legal appointment in the last decade. Not going to happen.”
Mark Your Calendar
The state inauguration will take place on Monday January 13, 2025, with the Inaugural Ball held that evening at the capitol.
Lobbyist Registrations
Sam Licklider deleted Capital Health Management.
Scott Penman and Madison Eascret deleted Missouri Land Title Association (MLTA).
$5K+ Contributions
MoCannTrade PAC - $12,500 from GFFG, LLC.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep.-elect Ray Reed.
MOScout Schedule
I’ll be taking my post-election vacation this week. Look for a regular morning update again tomorrow, but then I’ll be off Thursday-Sunday.